The commercial vehicle manufacturer Renault unveiled at Solutrans 2025 in Lyon (November 18 to 22) the serial version of the new Trafic E-Tech electric. The fully electric panel van is the first vehicle from the brand to be based on the flexible, scalable so-called SDV architecture (Software Defined Vehicle) from Renault’s e-mobility subsidiary Ampere. A premiere for the brand is also the 800-V technology, which is being used here for the first time in a Renault model and for the first time in the LCV segment, and is intended to enable rapid charging for a WLTP range of up to 450 km.
The Trafic van is also the first model of a new family of 100 percent electric commercial vehicles that will also be marketed under the joint-venture brand Flexis. The electric Trafic goes on sale at the end of 2026, before further versions of the model, available as a platform chassis, a flatbed, or Cargo Box, follow. The conventionally powered diesel version remains in the program for the time being.
Six months after the introduction of a new generation of compact, 100 percent electric commercial vehicles in Birmingham, the French now present the serial version of the first model of this new family: the new Trafic E-Tech electric as a van. With the fourth generation of the Trafic Renault opens a new chapter in the history of the line. Since its debut in 1980 more than 2.5 million units of the model range have been built. Its name has become synonymous with success in the market for mid-size commercial vehicles. The all-electric model of the fourth generation builds on this heritage.
Optimized dimensions
The new Trafic E-Tech electric is based on a new all-electric skateboard platform that, compared with an internal-combustion platform, should offer an optimal balance of cargo capacity and space requirements — with a minimal front overhang and an inboard rear-drive. The turning circle is thus as small as the Clio (10.3 meters). The new van, as a panel van L1, offers a loading volume of 5.1 m3 with a length of 4.87 m and a width of 1.92 m (identical for all three models). The L2, at a length of 5.27 m and a wheelbase 40 cm longer, achieves a loading volume of 5.8 m3. Thanks to the overall height reduced to 1.90 m, entry into underground garages is not a problem. Large side and rear doors also enable easy loading with Euro pallets.
The new E-Van features a very short front overhang, a long wheelbase and an aerodynamic one-box body. A light strip on the front, the backlit logo and the daytime running lights create a highly modern lighting signature. The headlights below are designed to be more discreet.
Optical accents with LED technology
Some body sections are painted in the body color, others in black to emphasize the utility vehicle character. The front bumper consists of a large section with a black granular surface, which, as in the Scenic E-Tech Electric, features a laser pattern, a new signature. On the sides the lower protective provisions made of black textured plastic protect in everyday transport. The aerodynamic element at the top of the rear is also made of black-grained
plastic, as is the lower part of the bumper. The Trafic is also Renault’s first van with a rear lighting signature, three-dimensionally shaped and in a double vertical line on both sides of the asymmetrical rear doors. The conventional lighting functions are housed in a single block. As with Renault passenger cars, the logo is located directly on the body, on the right rear door.
Modern cockpit design
In the cockpit the timeless and robust tubular shape of the instrument panel, which stretches from one side of the cabin to the other, is combined with two modern screens: a 10-inch instrument cluster and a 12-inch center display, clearly oriented toward the driver. The seats are upholstered in a mix of gray fabric and denim, with yellow quilting on the gray fabric and white stitching on the blue denim, which is also familiar from the Renault 4.
Practical storage concept and sustainable materials
In addition to a closed glove compartment, the cockpit features a series of open, partitioned compartments: three cup holders and a document holder beneath the central display; three storage surfaces behind the instrument cluster; two small pockets on both sides of the steering wheel; a deep compartment on the passenger side; and two storage levels in the doors, the upper for small items and the lower for bulky objects such as water bottles.
Between the dashboard and the windshield larger items, such as a notebook, a jacket or a block can be stored. This segment, visible both from outside and inside, consists of natural-fiber polypropylene composite (NFPP). In general Renault aims for a recycled-material content of more than 23 percent (including the battery) for the Trafic E-Tech electric, roughly on par with Renault’s best electric vehicles. Thus the Renault 5 has a share of 26 percent. By 2030 the manufacturer aims to achieve a share of 33 percent recycled materials by the total mass of the vehicles. Specifically for plastics the vehicle should achieve more than 15 percent recycled plastics (over 40 kg). The market average given by the French is 9 percent. The upholstery consists of 50 percent recycled Twi-Jeans fabric.
Two battery options depending on use
For greater flexibility the Trafic will be offered with two battery options. For long-range missions, the large battery with NMC technology (nickel-manganese-cobalt) is said to provide a maximum range of up to 450 km (WLTP) and will be available at market launch. For commercial customers that primarily operate in urban areas, the battery version with LFP technology (lithium iron phosphate), which does not rely on rare metals such as cobalt and nickel, is targeted. It enables a range of up to 350 km (WLTP) at a highly competitive price, as the manufacturer promises. This variant, however, will come later. Also quite noteworthy: the cells are produced in Europe, and the batteries are assembled at the Sandouville plant in France.
800-V technology for ultrafast charging
For the first time in the van segment and also for the brand, the French are relying on an 800-volt fast-charging platform. This should provide more comfort and easier handling in daily work. At DC fast-charging stations, the battery can be charged from 15 to 80 percent in about 20
minutes, corresponding to an additional range of 260 km.
Regional value creation is generally one of the development’s priorities: The new electric motor was developed in Europe, delivers 150 kW and 345 Nm and is intended to offer high efficiency. The combination of a powerful motor and robust platform lays the basis for a high towing capacity of two tonnes and a payload of up to 1.25 tonnes (homologation pending). Moreover, V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functions are offered, enabling external devices such as tools or computers to be powered from the vehicle battery. There are sockets in the driver's cabin and in the cargo area. With the help of an adapter, the vehicle’s charging port can also be used for this.
Locally produced: Production in Sandouville
The Trafic will be produced at the Renault plant in Sandouville, France, alongside the assembly line of the current Trafic with an internal combustion engine, which will continue to be offered. In a building near the main plant, bodies for Qstomize are also built, Renault’s subsidiary that specializes in customization and conversion of light commercial vehicles. In this way, the new models with a platform chassis, a flatbed, a tipper or Cargo Box are meant to benefit from short production times, controlled costs and manufacturing quality guaranteed by the producer. For customer-specific conversions, Renault relies on a European network of more than 300 certified body builders.
Software keeps hardware up to date
In terms of Software Defined Vehicle (Software Defined Vehicle, SDV), Renault aims to take a big step. The centralized software architecture can be updated over the vehicle’s lifetime via the cloud, as with a smartphone or a laptop. The new operating system CAR OS (Car Operating System) was developed by Ampere and runs with Android Automotive OS. It promises high user-friendliness and access to a wide range of current and future applications. In addition, personalized offers can be made available that are tailored to actual usage, driving habits and the requirements of individual users.
- For vehicles with specific functions such as ambulances, fire brigade vehicles, police vehicles, refrigerated vehicles and other conversions, for example, specialized apps can be provided that control the operation of the individual components. A similar solution already exists with the OpenR link System for the Renault Master, which allows the creation of individual apps. Here this option is expanded with the additional intelligence of the SDV architecture.
- Companies that use their own operating system to, for example, perform deliveries, can integrate it into the onboard multimedia system to transmit information in real time (time, route, contacts, remarks, etc.) to the delivery drivers.
- Fleet users can log into their profile and access a personalized interface with their preferred vehicle settings and apps.
Predictive maintenance for better availability
Predictive maintenance, already possible on current Renault vehicles, will become even more precise thanks to the vastly greater computing power and intelligence of the SDV architecture. The wear of certain parts should be tracked in real time and enable remote diagnostics to plan repairs or, if possible, fix faults directly. This function is especially useful for fleet managers to optimize costs, uptime and vehicle availability.
Significantly improved navigation for EV route planning
Powered by the SDV technology, the
Trafic also introduces an OpenR multimedia system of the new generation. It features a 12-inch display and is optimized for use in light commercial vehicles. There is navigation developed specifically for commercial vehicles that takes into account dimensions and load to avoid unsuitable routes. Thanks to improved accuracy of consumption data, the system also suggests optimized charging stops.
Also available are additional integrated Google services such as Google Assistant and the Google Play Store. Through Google Assistant, drivers can intuitively adjust temperature, take notes, control the radio or check the latest news or the weather. The Google Play Store offers a continuously growing catalog of apps shown on the 12-inch display. Depending on the market, more than 100 apps are available, including the web browser Vivaldi, the EasyPark parking payment system, Amazon Music, Spotify and Deezer.
Voice assistance via Google Gemini
The Google AI assistant Gemini will replace Google Assistant as a dialog-oriented AI assistant in a future update: users no longer need to remember the exact wording, but can speak "naturally" with Gemini, carry on a conversation and have it perform more complex tasks. They can interrupt Gemini mid-sentence or seamlessly switch languages during a conversation. The assistant will be available in all vehicles with OpenR link and integrated Google, including those already on the road. They will receive the new function via an over-the-air update.
Improved driving safety
The new Trafic also features the so-called Safety Coach: It uses sensor data and the vehicle’s artificial intelligence to assess hazards and risks. Considered are the driving speed, the safety distance, lane keeping, lane-change behavior and vigilance. Based on the collected data, the system evaluates driving behavior at the end of the trip with a maximum of 100 points (Safety Score) and, depending on the result, provides recommendations for safer driving. The Safety Monitor function also displays information about driving behavior in real time in the instruments.
More comfort in daily electric life via the My Renault app
The new Trafic also benefits from the features of the My Renault app, which facilitate the everyday use of electric vehicles: planning charging, preconditioning, monitoring range, etc. In addition, the app can locate the vehicle, check whether the doors are locked, or track the maintenance schedule.
Digital personalization
Thanks to the open system design, companies can integrate their own system into the vehicle’s multimedia system. This way, for example, delivery services can relay to their drivers all the information they need on their routes (time, route, contacts, comments, etc.). Vehicles with special functions such as refrigerated vehicles, ambulances or other special conversions can also fully utilize the intelligent SDV architecture, for example for maintaining the cold chain with detailed real-time information such as outside temperature and actual power consumption. If necessary, an additional charging stop is planned.
Less depreciation through updates
But the "software-defined architecture" is intended not least to increase the vehicle’s value. A three- or four-year-old model that is continuously updated and enhanced with new features loses less value than a conventional vehicle, the manufacturer promises. The French speak of the “anti-folding effect,” which is particularly useful for light commercial vehicles because they have a longer lifespan than passenger cars and are used more
